Articulating Cage Spring Counterbalance Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fall restraint equipment, such as articulating cages, require cumbersome and expensive counterbalances and chains for movement, and their construction involves time-consuming processes with many smaller components.
Innovation Solution
An articulating cage with a pair of support structures, one equipped with springs, and lifting arms connected to a cage, utilizing a load chain and chain hoist mechanism for easy raising and lowering, reducing the need for extensive counterbalances and complex component assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional counterbalances and chains are used to facilitate movement of the articulating cage, then the cage can be raised and lowered, but the arrangement becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by integrating springs directly into the support structures that are affixed to the fixed structure. These springs provide the counterbalancing force needed to raise and lower the cage without requiring separate counterbalance mechanisms and chains, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support structure and counterbalance mechanism into a single integrated component. The springs are built into the support structures themselves, combining what were previously separate elements (support structure plus counterbalance system) into one unified assembly, reducing device complexity while preserving the cage movement function
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional construction processes are used involving cutting and welding many smaller components, then the articulating cage can be assembled, but the process requires substantial time, manpower, and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the articulating cage into modular components including support structures with integrated springs, lifting arms, and cage sections. These pre-fabricated modules can be manufactured separately and then quickly assembled together, reducing on-site assembly time and manpower requirements compared to traditional cutting and welding of many small components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling and pre-configuring the support structures with integrated spring mechanisms before final installation. The lifting arms and cage sections are designed as ready-to-install components, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site fabrication and reducing the overall assembly process duration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective movement of the articulating cage by using springs and load chains to counterbalance the weight, simplifying the construction process and reducing manpower and time required for assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the pair of support structures comprises at least one spring
Implementation Method 2
A load chain is connected to the spring at one end and to the second end of the lifting arm at the other end
Implementation Method 3
One end of the lifting arm is pivotally connected to support structure that includes the spring. The other end of the lifting arm is pivotally connected to a cage
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating cage configured to raise and lower with respect to a fixed structure. The articulating cage comprises support structures affixed to the fixed structure and that include one or more springs. The articulating cage includes lifting arms that are pivotally connected to the support structures at one end and to a cage portion at the other end. A load chain connects to the springs at one end and to the lifting arm at the other near to the location where the lifting arm connects to the cage portion.